UK's economic performance 'very strong

purch

...say our mates at the IMF.

Of course, they haven't factored in the 'havoc' the low petrol price might cause :eek:


The UK's recent growth, employment progress and deficit reduction have been "strong", the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

Underlying economic vulnerabilities have been addressed, and steady growth looks set to continue.

But high household debt, a "strikingly large" trade deficit and high government debt are still risks to the economy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35069589

Thrugelmir

Still plenty of issues that need addressing though.

Low business investment
Weak productivity growth
Structural unemployment
Structural decline in manufacturing
Structural trade deficit
Structural fiscal deficit
Structural lack of competition in many markets
Structural inequality
Structural problems in the housing market
Structural under-funding of public services

No quick fixes. Just slow progressive change.

Generali

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Still plenty of issues that need addressing though.

Low business investment
Weak productivity growth
Structural unemployment
Structural decline in manufacturing
Structural trade deficit
Structural fiscal deficit
Structural lack of competition in many markets
Structural inequality
Structural problems in the housing market
Structural under-funding of public services

No quick fixes. Just slow progressive change.

Underfunding of public services??? The Government already spends more than 4 of ever 10 pounds generated.

I don't really see how there can be much in the way of structural unemployment as unemployment is barely 5%. And what decline in manufacturing? The UK is the 6th biggest manufacturer in the world.

Most countries would love to have the problems that the UK has.

kabayiri

I was talking to some people linked with Manchester University recently.

It was interesting to note how the Chinese president chose to visit Manchester, out of all the "scenic" UK locations.

It was obvious what he has his eye on. The graphene research labs are really impressive.

The thing is; so many of the researchers there are Chinese students anyway. I used to catch the bus crossing town with many of them (this is how I bought this laptop!). Nice kids.

This is one of those technology areas with the potential to cause a manufacturing revolution. Imagine flying in an airliner come lifting body with a see through skin!

Will we end up losing out on the technology, as we did with LCD?

Thrugelmir

Generali wrote: »

Underfunding of public services??? The Government already spends more than 4 of ever 10 pounds generated.

The NHS and the UK's aging population. Coupled with lack of social care for the elderly.

Post war baby boom is now peaking.

I don't really see how there can be much in the way of structural unemployment as unemployment is barely 5%.

Those that never ever work. Maybe because there isn't work. Deprived areas do exist.

Headlines paper over the cracks. Hence the small but vocal Corbyn support.

kabayiri

How do you tackle household debt without harming the jobs which depend on consumerism?

I do think we need a cultural change in attitude to debt, but do we really need Cold Turkey?

westernpromise

Germany has gone from 50% manufacturing to 20% in the last 75 years. All advanced economies move on from metal bashing in the end.

As for unemployment, well, if you live in Britain and don't work, it's because you don't want to.

kabayiri

westernpromise wrote: »

Germany has gone from 50% manufacturing to 20% in the last 75 years. All advanced economies move on from metal bashing in the end.
...

What happens when 3d printing technology reaches a point where you don't need to ship many products, but generate locally on demand?

Does the export model change?

mwpt

kabayiri wrote: »

What happens when 3d printing technology reaches a point where you don't need to ship many products, but generate locally on demand?

Does the export model change?

And why is Lego still so expensive?